Artist: Stefano Pastor
Title: Transmutations
Cat Number: SLAMCD512
Year released: 2006
Format: CD & all digital platforms
Barcode: 5028386051220
BY CD, DOWNLOAD & STREAMING OPTIONS
On ‘Transmutations’, Italian violinist Stefano Pastor‘s second album, the ten tracks take material from diverse sources – Mozart to Ornette Coleman, pop to John Coltrane, Antônio Carlos Jobim, show music and of course the blues – “transmuted” into excellent jazz vehicles.
Stefano Pastor; violin, percussion, vocals
Stefano Calcagno: trombone
Piero Leveratto: double bass
Maurizio Borgia: drums
“Propelled by a sparky, responsive and commendably versatile rhythm section, Pastor’s violin and Stefano Calcagno’s trombone intertwine, play complementary roles and strike sparks off each other, all the time sounding utterly at home in the various quick-changing stylistic roles assigned to them by Pastor’s compositions…there is a great deal to enjoy in this varied and thoughtful album…although the tonal qualities of the front-line players might be problematic for some listeners, this is an absorbing album filled with ideas and insight into the essential qualities of the various stages through which jazz has passed.” – Chris Parker, Jazz Review
“Transmutations is a music that touches with its intimacy, its fraternity, its simple proximity and truth. Pastor converts and transmutes, and he surprises with the obvious: a state of grace which one could obtain or not maintain by force. Stefano Pastor’s violin promises sumptuous musical inspirations.” – Dr. Ana Isabel Ordonez, Jazz Review (USA)
“Pastor writes quirky songs that move in unexpected ways. With no pianist in sight, their bassist is often the central force here and he is a formidable player, strong solos as well as letting those notes ring or sing the enchanting melodies, stretching out the spirit within. John Coltrane’s “Crescent” is done some rather poignant, bluesy passion featuring a long, touching solo from Pastor’s violin. While the violin and trombone play the theme to “I Fall in Love Too Easily”, the bass solos and centres the tune through its entirety. Piero’s bass pumps hard on and swings masterfully on Pastor’s “Vucciria”, with more spirited solos from the violin and trombone. Pastor sings Jobim’s “Esquecendo Voce” exquisitely as the violin and bass play melancholy harmonies around his soft, sad voice. A quaint conclusion to a modest gem.” – Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery